Shropshire golfer Ashley Chesters' pro plans on hold – for now

Chesters, who plays out of Hawstone Park, had been considering a switch to the paid ranks following another stellar campaign on the amateur circuit, which saw him successfully defend his European title.

But a disappointing showing in European Tour Qualifying School – in which players can earn a place on the European Tour and Challenge Tour – has led him to shelve such plans for the next 12 months.

Chesters' second European Amateur Championship triumph back in August earned him a second crack at The Open at St Andrews next year, providing he stays as an amateur.

Having narrowly missed the cut for the latter stages in his first outing there last July he is keen for another shot in 2015, and he is also targetting a place in the Great Britain & Ireland team for next year's Walker Cup which is in September.

He said: "If I had got on to the European Tour or the Challenge Tour I probably would have turned pro – or I'd have thought about it seriously. I'd say those plans are on the backburner for at least 12 months now.

"The top 18 at Qualifying School went through to the next stage and I was seven shots off getting through.

"I actually played quite well overall but once I got onto the green my putting was pretty bad.

"It just wasn't really worth turning pro yet especially when I have the chance to play in The Open as well."

Chesters starred at this year's Open at Hoylake with a two-under first round 70 before missing the cut by just a shot.

And asked if he was determined to go one better when the tournament comes to St Andrews next July he said: "Yeah I'd like to put that right and there is the Walker Cup next year as well which is pretty much the biggest amateur thing there is going. That is one to aim for as well.

"I have played in pretty much everything there is now other than the Walker Cup, so playing in that and trying to do well at the Open are two big goals."